Since Muammar al-Qadhafi seized power in Libya, the country's history has been characterized by a series of violent events, both in its relation to other states, but also in its internal affairs. In the middle of February 2011 violent demonstrations erupted in Libya which was countered with violence by Qadhafi´s regime. The international community observed the violence, which led to the adoption of resolution 1973, by the Security Council. This thesis is based on a legal method combined with a case study for the purpose of explaining the adoption of resolution 1973, and the factors which might had contributed to the adoption of the resolution. The analysis is based on the legal framework established in the UN Charter, and the thoughts of the classical realism and the English school constitutes the theoretical framework. This study has resulted in the conclusion that the international community has acted on its commitments outlined in the UN Charter, that states act pursuant to its interests and survival, and that the society of states pursue to attain their common goals and to preserve the existing system.
Keywords: Classical realism; The English school; UN Charter; International peace and security; States self-interest; Common goals of the society of states